Using people resources is especially appropriate if you are still in school, since the activity is very much like a research project. Students may specifically state that they are collecting information to use in deciding among career alternatives. In fact, some students select topics for term papers and research projects that are closely related to their career interests so that they can talk with people in their career field at the same time they are fulfilling an academic requirement.
Those who have not done this before are often concerned that no one will be willing to talk with them, or that they must have a better reason to justify using a busy person's time than to simply ask questions.
This is not usually the case, though some misuse of this method by people who were really job hunters and not people trying to meet a genuine need for information has caused some individuals to be less receptive than in the past. Many people enjoy talking about their jobs, especially to students who are interested in the same field. Your success will be directly related to the care that you take in the process.
You will want to identify, by name, the person you wish to interview so that you are contacting an individual, not a job title. If you cannot find the name, but know the kind of work in which you are interested, you may call and ask for the name of the person in charge of the section or division that handles the function in which you are interested.
Directories can be used to obtain names of individuals you can contact. They are typically indexed by organizational name, geographical area, products and/or services. Because names and even addresses frequently change, they should be confirmed prior to contacting any individuals.
Directories may not include smaller or newer organizations which may be of interest in your information search. You may wish want to augment your research by referring to the yellow pages of the telephone book in your preferred geographical area and then calling the organization to get the name of the person with whom you should be talking.
Don't overlook your own personal contacts. People you already know can lead you to people who are working in your field of interest
Start with people who are "low threat," such as family, Wends, alumni, etc. Develop an approach with which you are comfortable and gain experience in areas that are of less importance to you, so that little is lost while you are gaining confidence. Save the people or organizations of greatest interest until you have had some practice.
Use the approach with which you are both comfortable and effective.
A standard approach is for you to make an initial contact over the telephone or through a letter. A phone call first will allow you to confirm names and titles of those with whom you are interested in speaking. When you contact the individual over the telephone, introduce yourself, state your purpose and ask for a time to meet to discuss your questions. Ask for twenty or thirty minutes of the person's time-and stick to the length of time agreed upon. If the person is unable to meet with you, you may ask if the person has time to answer some of your questions over the phone. If possible, it is almost always preferable to have one of your own personal contacts arrange an appointment for you. If so, make sure that person clearly understands your purpose for having the meeting. Your telephone skills and introduction can be easily practiced with friends.
If you are uncomfortable or feel you do not come across very well over the phone, or if you choose to do your research out of the vicinity, it may be possible to set up your meetings through correspondence.
Preparing for Your Meeting
First make a list of the questions you still have unanswered about your potential career field. Your questions should be sincere, not simply made up for the purposes of talking to an employer. They might, for example, try to uncover the differences between two types of positions or two specific companies. Your questions might explore how the person obtained the position currently held and what background and experience was necessary to get the job. You might ask for advice as to how best to enter that specific career field today. No matter what you ask, try to make every conversation a learning experience and you will never be disappointed with the time you spend.
Remember that your purpose is to gather information from someone who is working in an area of interest to you. You are not asking for a job; you are searching for information which will help you to understand the realities of working in that field. You will be guiding the discussion.
Always be respectful of the other person's time. Before leaving ask for suggestions of other people who might have information that would be of value to you. This activity is an opportunity to speak with others who are interested in the same things you are-have fun with it!
Sample Questions
The following questions can be used as a general guide and adapted to your specific situation as appropriate. A tailored list could even be brought to an interview as an aid in collecting information relevant to your re-
- What is your job like?
- What do you do in a typical day?
- What kinds of problems do you deal with?
- What kinds of decisions do you make?
- What are the most important personal satisfactions and dissatisfactions connected with your occupation?
- What social obligations go along with a job in your occupation?
- Are there other things you are expected to do outside of work hours?
- What things did you do before you entered this occupation?
- What has been most helpful to you?
- What sorts of change are occurring in your occupation?